Hello I've been suffering with that I believe is anxiety. I have been suffering for about 5 months. I'm 24 years old healthy guy who doesn't do drugs or smoke only drink lightly maybe 2 a month. It all started when I told myself that I have dementia, for some reason I feel like I got obssesed with me thinking that I have it. I would google it almost all the time looking at the symptoms etc, I know it's very rare for someone my age to get dementia but theirs always that "what if" in my head telling me. I do not show any of the symptoms that they said people with dementia suffer at first. My my brain is always telling me that I do have it and I panic and my heart start to raise and get scared, I have posted here before and people have helped me with some good techniques, I have been doing a lot better since I join, but like I said theirs always this voice in my head telling me that I have dementia. Theirs days were I could do thinking without any bad thoughts but then I get scared and if like what if your not thinking about you having dementia because you actually have it? Please any advice would be really appreciate it and thank you for taking the time to read and write back to me
Hi Jose, it sounds like you are dealing with health anxiety 
you said that you have none of the symptoms that point to dementia so what is making you believe that you have this? Even if you did have some of the symptoms, just remember it would be highly unlikely that you have this at 24 years old! I've convinced myself that i've had many different life threatening illnesses so I know exactly how you feel. But as tempting as it is, googling your symptoms can be one of the worst things for you. Try to distract yourself from all of these negative thoughts and try really hard not to research anything about dementia or your symptoms. If you do start experiencing worsening symptoms then you could go see a doctor just for your peace of mind. I'm still dealing with my health anxiety on a daily basis, but it has improved greatly and honestly what worked for me was distracting myself, stop googling all your symptoms, and going to the doctor to express my concerns and having tests done (although idk if this is the best option for everyone). I hope you start feeling better soon, and feel free to reach out to me if you need to talk to anyone!
Yeah that's what I think I'm suffering with health anxiety it's making me think I have dementia because I google at first about having a tumor and for some reason dementia came up and I read about it and got it stuck to my head, but I know I don't have it but like I said my brain is always telling me the opposite
and yeah googling the symptoms is the worse thing to do!! I don't do it anymore as I use to but when I get those scary thoughts I start googling dementia I know I shouldn't but I just panic. Thank you so much for replying to me and I'm glad to hear that your overcoming this even tho I know my anxiety won't go away easily or fast but I won't let it defeat me!! And yes I would love to keep talking to you, send me a private message? Thanks again
Jose
To be honest do not go with Dementia, it sounds like stress and Anxiety.
I had tests for Dementia and associated conditions and the test were long and extensive, over five weeks. I am sixty seven now and was diagnosed with a Congenital Short Term Memory Disorder. Both my Father and an Aunt both had dementia and it was not very nice, both were in their eighties. So put your mind at rest, do not go there.
Try Relaxation Techniques, MINDFULNESS and controlled breathing, discuss with your GP and He may be able to arrange a course of treatment to put your mind at rest.
Several things I feel useful is to use the brain, read books. take on external hobbies etc. When young I was out clubbing three days a week dancing and swimming two nights a week. I also to on Youth Work and fishing, anything to divert your thoughts.
BOB
Thank you for taking the time to replying to my forum! I'm sorry to hear about your dad and aunt. And I will try those things and I will try your advices. I've been doing some relaxation techniques and they helped me a lot!! But like I said theirs always that little voice telling me I have dementia and I try hard not to think about it but it's always their. I'm sure I don't have dementia but the voice tells me the oppsite.
Jose
One thing I would suggest is try and do puzzles or even word games like crosswords etc, just to keep the brain active. My Wife buys puzzle books and she always say use it or loose it, not only that you will gain confidence over a short time and you will stop worrying and will move on.
I took my Part Time Youth Coarse and not long ago I took my Marine Power Boat and Marine Radio Course just for something to do, anything to get the brain working.
I also work on my fruit trees etc and that keeps me on top ball, anything to keep busy with your brain activity,
Honest I cannot see a Dementia. although your GP can be approached it is very rare in someone young you really need to move this on to the back of your mind.
I am here if needed
BOB
I will go tomorrow and buy some puzzles and crossword books and keep my brain busy, I know it's going to be a long journey but I know I will defeat this!! I hope this works and helps me forget about this scary thought. And wow you do a lot to keep your mind busy that's good yeah dementia is very hard for someone my age and without having damage on your brain due to a stroke or accident to get it, but for some reason that thought it's always their and it just bugs me. And thanks bob
Hi Jose,
You don't have dementia. You need to start thinking positive things about yourself. Be careful with this type thinking, because your mind is very complex and very powerful. It can give you what you ask for. The mind can make you suffer from anxiety and mental conditions. Best wishes to you Jose!
So your saying if I keep telling myself I have dementia I could actually get it? And yes the mind is very powerful and will make me suffer with these thoughts.
It’s a vicious cycle. I am saying that thinking you have dementia Is a phobia creating health anxiety, witch is a real illness. In other words hypochondria. If you really can’t stop thinking you have dementia, then you should see a doctor. There are treatment options available for you. Medication and/or therapy. Also, this forum is wonderful for getting information and helpful ideas. You are not alone and there is no reason for you to suffer like this.
Yeah it is a vicious cycle. I mean I was worse a few months back I am getting better thanks to people on here who give good advice and very great techniques to do at home. I have good days and then theirs some bad days like today I had that scary thought about me having dementia but I'm doing my techniques and it helps. I don't think about this 24/7 I'm trying to beat this alone but if it gets worse I will seek medical attention or do therapy. And thank you what are you suffering with?
Depression, anxiety and leukemia. I have good days and bad days, but I am dealing with it just fine. Life is pretty good lately. I learned to live and except whatever is. I am glad you’re doing something. Keep up with those techniques. Try exercises also. I walk a lot and do meditation.
I'm glad to hear that your dealing with it just fine do you have any advice or techniques that you could show me that will help me with this? Okay I will try that and hope it works
Watch your diet, don't eat process sugar and drink 8 glasses daily, get lots of exercise, do some form of mindfulness or meditation daily (there are lots of them on YouTube, find one that you like) and practice positive thinking. I hope the best for you Jose!